Duck Dynasty Tells Morrissey Who’s Boss

Former depressive almost rock star Morrissey tried to make headlines earlier in the week, declaring that he wouldn’t share a stage with members of the Robertson family. They’re the stars of A&E’s monster hit Duck Dynasty. Morrissey accused them of being “serial animal killers.” Because, apparently, they eat.

A&E’s breakout pro-hunting hit “Duck Dynasty” returned Wednesday night to record ratings. The season three premiere delivered 8.6 million viewers.

That’s huge. It’s not only the most-watched “Duck Dynasty” episode ever, it’s A&E’s most-watched telecast ever and ranks as cable’s biggest reality show telecast so far this year. The 10 p.m. episode (the first of two back-to-back airings) was up 132 percent vs. the second season premiere. Plus, a full 5 million of the viewers were in the adults 18-49 demo.

The return of “Duck Dynasty” benefited from an unexpected gift-from-the-PR-gods when British singer and animal rights activist Morrissey cancelled his planned Feb. 26 performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” at the last minute in protest of the “Duck Dynasty” stars appearing the same episode. Morrissey called the show’s stars — who own a family business that makes products for hunters — “animal serial killers.”

If you haven’t seen Duck Dynasty, it’s worth your time. The Robertson’s are a hilarious Louisiana family who struck gold making duck calls, but money hasn’t turned them into Kardashians. They work together, play together, pray together — on the air, no less — and hunt beavers with AR-15 rifles together. Duck Dynasty may be the best show on TV right now.

Bryan Preston has been a leading conservative blogger and opinionator since founding his first blog in 2001. Bryan is a military veteran, worked for NASA, was a founding blogger and producer at Hot Air, was producer of the Laura Ingraham Show and, most recently before joining PJM, was Communications Director of the Republican Party of Texas.